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Is selecting 15th overall in the NHL draft unlucky?


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Finnegan Frost
May 10, 2024  (6:13 PM)
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Steve Yzerman at the draft
Photo credit: Sportsnet

The Detroit Red Wings have secured the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Historically, teams haven't had much success with this pick.

Why is this number considered to be so unlucky? Well, The Edmonton Oilers, in particular, have had some unfortunate experiences when selecting 15th. In 2022, they thought they had found a future star in Jesse Niinimaki, but things didn't go as planned. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury while playing in Finland and upon his return, the team questioned his work ethic.
Many believe that by the time the 15th pick comes around, the top talent has already been taken, making it a challenging and dreaded spot in the draft. However, it's not all bad news for the 15th pick. Some of the league's top defenders, like Erik Karlsson, were selected at this position and even won the Norris Trophy.
The Detroit Red Wings made another notable pick in 2015 by selecting Captain Dylan Larkin. However, it has been widely speculated that choosing in the middle of the draft class can be challenging, often resulting in selecting underachievers instead of talented players who can contribute to the team. It is crucial to have a keen eye for talent when placed in such a position. Fortunately, the Detroit fans can trust General Manager Steve Yzerman, who is renowned for his exceptional skills in building teams and drafting players. I personally believe that he is the right person to make this difficult decision.
Can the Detroit Red Wings break this superstition? Hopefully, their 15th overall pick this year will put an end to this strange curse.

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